Emerson hosts 'We Love STEM' day at UK facility to inspire next generation of engineers

Slough facility welcomes schoolchildren for fun-packed and educational day of hands-on activities

Emerson has just hosted its latest ‘We Love STEM’ outreach event in the UK, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers required to meet the manufacturing industry’s current shortfall. More than 40 children from four local schools attended the STEM Inspiration Day to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Pupils aged 11 and 12 from Burnham Grammar School, The Beaconsfield School, Bourne End Academy, and St Michael’s Catholic School in High Wycombe were invited to attend the fun-filled and educational visit to Emerson’s facility in Slough. The children took part in a series of activities throughout the day, including a tour of the factory, a chance to see what happens in the engineering research and development department, and hands-on STEM challenges that tied in with their physics and chemistry syllabus, including building a dynamo-powered torch. The children also enjoyed interactive demonstrations of how Emerson’s Rosemount brand of measurement products manufactured in the Slough facility are used in oil and gas, power generation and food and beverage production.

Students and volunteers striking a pose in the Emerson photo booth.

The day was co-ordinated by members of Emerson’s Women in STEM organisation that provides networking, professional development, and volunteering and mentoring opportunities for the company’s employees.

“We are very grateful to Emerson for inviting us to attend the STEM outreach event, and our pupils found it an extremely enjoyable and beneficial experience,” said Marleen James, science teacher at Burnham Grammar School. “It was a perfect opportunity to put their creative thinking and problem-solving skills into action in a fun way, and it demonstrated examples of how the knowledge they gain in the classroom can be applied in the world of work.”

“What a day! The students were inspired, teachers energised, and Emerson staff clearly motivated by the event’s success,” said Jackie Campbell, Skills Development Manager at Bucks Skills Hub, which connected Emerson with the local schools ahead of the event.

“We were delighted to welcome the pupils from neighbouring schools and provide them with an insight into how STEM can be fun as well as educational,” said Emerson finance director Beverley Watson, who helped to co-ordinate the event. “Nationally there are too few children, especially girls, wanting to take STEM subjects. However, through its exciting outreach days, Emerson hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.”

Emerson is committed to supporting STEM projects around the world, and its award-winning ‘We Love STEM’ initiative aims to encourage talented young people to enter STEM industries. The Slough event is part of a series of STEM activities in the UK that Emerson supports. These include attending Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fairs, hosting STEM school outreach activities at its facilities in Leicester and Aberdeen, and appointing STEM ambassadors to engage with local communities to encourage students to consider STEM careers.

“Globally there is a significant shortage of engineers, which is something all stakeholders need to address,” added Ms Watson. “It is essential for Emerson’s continued success that we help inspire children from a young age to develop their interest in STEM subjects. Eventually that will broaden the talent pool from which we can select our employees, thereby ensuring we continue to innovate and lead the way in an era of digital transformation for the industries we support.”

In partnership with YouTube star and self-proclaimed science nerd Hank Green, Emerson’s ‘We Love STEM’ initiative offers a variety of resources, such as inspirational videos, a Twitter feed and outreach events around the world, to help motivate the next generation of innovators. To learn more about Emerson’s ‘We Love STEM’ and ‘Women in STEM’ initiatives, visit www.Emerson.com/WeLoveSTEM